Due to injuries and a strange off day schedule, the Mets had to make a ton of roster moves so far this April. Just to give you a snap shot idea, they have had to release Marlon Anderson to get Livan Hernandez, they've had an injured Pelfrey that led to several bullpen switches, they've have had an injured catcher and now looks like they have a bum starting pitcher. With all of this we have had Delgado injured at first base without going to the DL, so rostermoves have been plenty for this team.
The first big move the team had to do this year was the right one and that was to get rid of Marlon Anderson. At the end of the day, with Sheff on the bench, we didn't need Marlon and he didn't bring enough to the table to argue keeping him around. We remember the good times we had with him, but his production has dropped as his time with the Mets has gone on. This was a GOOD move.
The next set of moves were highly criticized because for a while they didn't seem to make much sense. The Mets needed a spot starter so they brought up Figueroa and then DFA'd O'day. Then the next day, they DFA'd Figueroa to bring in Fossum. A few days later they DFA'd Fossum to bring in Takahashi. We need to break this down case by case. DFA'ing O'day for Figueora. Although at the time that move didn't make much sense, looking back on it, it was a GOOD move because O'day has continued to struggle with his new team, the Rangers. O'day was a rule five draft pick, so it seemed like we were going to lose him either way. DFA'ing Figueora though was a BAD move because we could have easily lost him. We are very lucky he cleared back so we can use him again if he works his way back in the minors. We should have called up a pitcher with options, so this situation wouldn't happen, especially considering we DFA'd Figueora pretty much right away. Finally, DFA'ing Fossum looks to be a good move. He was never really on for the Mets and the player they brought in, the 40 year old Rookie Veteran from Japan (I know that preposition structure looks wierd) is very interesting. I like Takahashi's stuff and I am very curious to see what he can do for us this season.
Finally the last big move that needs to be discussed was bringing in Santos for Schnieder. Santos jumped up the depth chart this Spring with his impressive display of power and has not disapointed with his hitting yet this season. He is also pretty fast for a catcher (because he is young) and more importantly, he has a good stance behind the plate (he doesn't move around a lot, does a good job framing pitches). So the Mets will have to make a tough decision very soon between him and Castro. I vote for Santos because I like youth on the team, but we will have to wait and see what the team decides.
